Sorry if this sounds lame but the same ad is on craigslist.
Before reading further, here's some information provided by the great
Sheldon Brown (http://www.sheldonbrown.com) pertaining to my bicycle. It
is a Japanese Bianchi with Ishiwata 022 double butted tubing.
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From Sheldonbrown.com
"While Bianchi is best known as an Italian brand, they were having
bicycles built in Japan to their specifications for several years in the
late 1980s. These were particularly nice bikes, with better workmanship
than the Italian models."
"From a rec.bicycles.tech posting by Andrew Muzi:
I am intimately familiar with Ishiwata and their products, having
been in the factory a few times, spec'd many bikes with their steel
and built with it. I still use Ishiwata tube for frame repair.
The material [022] is virtually identical to Columbus SP/SL/SLX. The
top range of tubes were seamles double butted and the finish quality
[as delivered to the builder] was much higher than Columbus. The
tubing gauge of the 022 is 0.9/0.6mm, exatcly the same as Columbus
SP. It's called "022" because the frame tube set weighs 2.2 kilos.
The same material drawn thinner to 0.8/0.5mm is called "019" because
it weighs 1.9 kilos, just like Columbus SL. Many builders, then and
now, mix gauges so a small frame might be all 019 but a 56 would
have 022 chainstays and downtube for example.
Trek in the late '70s built three racing frames, one with Ishiwata,
one Reynolds 531 and one Columbus. Geometry and weight were
identical. The prices were unreasonably different because of the
cachet of Italian tubing, making the Ishiwata frame the best value.
Marketing took over later as the Ishiwata was dropped completely.
With the advent of aluminum, the currency crash and the Japanese
depression, Ishiwata closed the doors in the early '90s. "
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I am a professional bicycle mechanic who prior to working at my new job
has been the updating and knowledge of classic road bikes. I have the
bicycle at work so please email me. I will include what I have done to
the bicycle, and firstly I will show you what it looked like and details
before it's recent conversion.
56cm Ishiwata 022 tubing with Suntour Cyclone MK II drivetrain some
paint scratches on right side of frame but no rust or dents. Everything
is original except for the rear wheel (Joytech hub, Araya rim, shimano
freewheel), the pedals (shimano PD-A550), the tires, chain and brake
pads (Performance brand, Koolstop Eagle 2 brakepads). Could use fresh
hoods, I know where to get them at a nice price once sale is complete
(7.95 per pair)
Ok, this is before the conversion.
What I have done: (nothing on the frame was altered) The wheelset and
Brakes are the same as they work flawlessly.
I have replaced everything else though..
Shimano 600 front/rear derailleurs Shimano Sante 7spd freewheel (smooth)
SRAM PC59 chain Campagnolo Strada crankset (for some reason it's been
referred to as 'Super Record' by some people) Carnielli Stem Performance
Ergo Pro handlebars (44cm) Shimano Tiagra SLR brake levers Shimano 600
downtube shifters Look PD-66 pedals (with brand new ARC cleats (red
ones) Original Kashimax saddle (soon to be replaced with a more comfy
Coda saddle)
Ok, I am selling this bicycle for $300 because of the time I have
invested and the quality of the components that are on this bicycle.
Also, due to time constraints and my being poor (financially), I can not
afford to drive outside of the area to show it, sorry but shipping is a
possibility (I can pack it at work).
Pictures: http://cystek.net/ebb/pics/014.jpg <--- Carnielli Stem
http://cystek.net/ebb/pics/000.jpg <--- bicycle before transformation.
You can contact me at (925)628-2331 or email me at [email hidden]
Thanks for looking and have a great day.
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